The first photos of the 2014 Lexus IS production model have just been revealed. In F-Sport guise, the IS is a direct competitor to the F30 3 Series M Sport.

Much like the BMW F30's M Sport package, the IS F Sport package includes items such as an aerodynamic kit, larger wheels, lower suspension and sportier interior trim, with no changes to the powerplant.

The new 2014 IS has been built on a longer wheelbase and will offer more interior space than the predecessor. It will launch with a choice of two V6 engines - a 2.5L and 3.5L, with a four-cylinder hybrid powerplant to come later. Specs and comparisons to the F30 will be forthcoming, but for now, let's see how the IS F Sport compares to the F30 M Sport. There is expected to be an IS-F model to once again take on BMW's upcoming F80 M3 / F82 M4.

These are *photos* and not a terrible render? Wow, the proportions on the front end, in particular, are just SO bad. I was prepared to say "there's no way they'll release a car with those awkwardly tiny headlights" .. but... wow.

These are *photos* and not a terrible render? Wow, the proportions on the front end, in particular, are just SO bad. I was prepared to say "there's no way they'll release a car with those awkwardly tiny headlights" .. but... wow.